Strong Credentials but Major Shortfalls in Patient Care and Communication - A Cautionary Tale I have waited an entire year since my surgery to post this review so that I could express my experience accurately in a rational and non-accusatory manner. I selected Dr. Farooq for a complex hemorrhoidectomy based on a straightforward routine colonoscopy he performed earlier, which went smoothly, and his website's clear self-pay rates that eliminated financial uncertainty. These were genuine positives that drew me in. However, my subsequent experience with him for this more involved procedure highlighted significant gaps in personalized care, empathy, and follow-through, which ultimately impacted my recovery. I'm sharing this to alert others--especially those facing colorectal issues--to prioritize surgeons who invest in thorough, compassionate interactions beyond the initial consult. Dr. Farooq and his wife have produced YouTube videos where he comes across as genuinely cordial, informative and compassionate, but my in-person interactions bore no resemblance to that persona. The office environment seemed more oriented toward upselling cosmetic procedures and his fiber supplements than delivering focused colorectal care. The pre-surgery process felt impersonal from the start. After a two-minute initial consultation, I had no further in-person meetings with Dr. Farooq. My pre-op was handled entirely by the nurse practitioner, who performed the anoscopy and, I assume, shared findings with him. On surgery morning, he briefly checked in, and when I mentioned my many questions but expressed trust in his expertise, his visible relief suggested a preference for minimal engagement. I was informed he'd decide intraoperatively on any additional procedures, which added to the uncertainty. Post-op, the lack of clarity persisted. In recovery, the nurse couldn't detail what was done, and it was evident from her response that a follow-up visit from the doctor wasn't planned. I had to insist the staff track him down so I could get answers. My recovery was painful but expected, and a three-month check-in was routine. Then, about a month later, constipation led to a fissure in my rectal scar tissue, causing excruciating pain. That's when things deteriorated sharply. In severe distress, I explicitly asked for a gentle exam. Instead, he inserted the anoscope forcefully, triggering the worst pain I've ever endured--I screamed, sweated profusely, and nearly passed out. There was zero acknowledgment of my agony: no apology, no reassurance, just a curt dismissal. When I could barely speak but managed to ask about pain relief, his response was, "No, only time will heal this. And you need to get off the stool softeners." This advice was not only unhelpful but counterproductive, as it ignored standard protocols for fissure management. Frustrated and in ongoing pain, I sought care elsewhere. A different colorectal surgeon promptly prescribed a healing ointment and confirmed I should continue stool softeners to prevent straining--advice that aligned with what I'd researched and brought relief. Dr. Farooq has the technical skills for routine cases, but for complex ones requiring emotional support and detailed guidance, this approach falls short. Colorectal surgery is intimate and vulnerable; patients deserve more than efficiency. I recommend seeking providers with robust patient reviews on communication and bedside manner, and always advocating for yourself by preparing questions in advance. Transparency on costs is commendable, but it shouldn't come at the expense of holistic care. Proceed with eyes wide open. read more

I have never in all of my life met a more friendly staff or a doctor who completely understands the pain that you have been through and then finally finding this doctor. After suffering with hemroids for several years and being afraid of going to a doctor to get almost the less painful exam of my rear end and being told that surgery is not the answer for most hemorrhoids and not only can it be taken care of this Dr. Shiraz Farooq, proctologist located on Violet Street in Tampa, Fl. For years I was completey scared to death that the worst pain was trying to get rid of the hemorrhoids using gels, suppositories, every thing that came on line to try and get rid of them only to be disappointed again while the fear and the only knowledge I knew of would be surgery and Dr Farooq was the doctor that I saw and was there to assure me of the treatment. Anyone, who has suffered from these, I encourage you to seek out Dr. Shiraz Farooq and get on with life Again, I will leave the address so you can search and find his office at 2313 W. Violet, in Tampa, Florida. A very satisfied patient. read more

Constantly had issues with billing. Overcharging. Lying about benefits. Spoke directly with my insurance and received an eob from my insurance. During this time changes were made for virtual due to Covid. Changes my insurance verified and spoke with them about. However now.... Over FOUR years later they are sending me bills of things I owe. FOUR years later! I've had the same address! But because I now have different insurance they are free to do what they please and send false fee's to my credit. I will be taking legal action! That's the problem with going to these types of organizations for treatment. Very money hungry. read more

Professional. Clean, high tech and very friendly. Easy to get to and plenty of parking.

I have chosen not to give one star because the clinician seems helpful. We will see if the prescribed treatment works. The experience at any doctor's office begins with the staff. The rude woman who took my information said they had no record of my appointment, even though they had all of my information. After this, she insisted that my insurance was not current, and that their billing department is "never wrong."  While she was supposedly looking for a solution, she was cursing in Spanish, which I am assuming she assumed I could not understand. After having to call my insurance company myself, who of course verified that I am current, I was checked in. Adding insult to injury, after having mispronounced my name several times, I finally corrected her. As I was being called by the practitioner, I could hear her mocking me, "My name is Joan, my name is Joan," to her colleagues. I suppose I should not be surprised that a woman who could not distinguish the words "effective" from "expiration" on my insurance card would have trouble with my name, but at the very least she could have apologized for both my inconvenience and the errors she made along the way. One benefit of good health is often overlooked - not having to deal with incompetent staff. read more

About a month ago I visited Dr. Farooq's office. The appointment process was easy. Dr. Farooq and his staff were friendly and caring. He asked questions, listened, diagnosed, and provided treatment options and specifics (recovery time, cost, effectiveness, etc...). The typical medical vagueness was not part of my experience, which is a breath of fresh air since most medical professionals are timid when it comes to providing a real diagnosis. I have recovered from my ailment and am very grateful to Dr. Farooq. I highly recommend his medical practice. read more

Dr Farook and his team are true professionals. In my opinion intro of ObamaCare really hurt the medical community and quality of care. You won't see that at ColoWell they are amazing!! Thanks Dr Farooq for the phone call after surgery to follow up it was greatly appreciated. read more

I searched on Yelp for a colorectal surgeon which resulted in only 3 surgeons. I was disappointed but read about all 3 practices. Dr. Farooq had exceptional reviews so I thought I would give his practice a try. I've been to many different doctors in my life and have unfortunately had many different types of surgeries. I will tell whomever reads this review to run, not walk, to Dr. Farooq. His P.A. Stacey was so knowledgeable, friendly and patient to listen to all my questions and provided informative answers. Johanna manages his surgery schedule and is extremely helpful and friendly too. Dr. Farooq is a surgeon who actually has a lovely bedside manner! He's soft spoken, extremely knowledgeable, friendly and was able to put me at ease. I didn't know it until I was in his office that Dr. Farooq is a double Board Certified surgeon! It doesn't get much better than that. No one wants to have to see a colorectal surgeon, let alone have this type of surgery done. But I'm confident that Dr. Farooq will do a great job and I will feel so much better once the surgery is done. read more

I was traveling from coast to coast and had to come in for a quick check with issues the staff was awesome to get an appointment next day for a totally new patient not even residing here. The walkin and process was so easy and the doctor is phenomenal- the thing that matters the most. He gave me a great explanation of all that is going on and recommendations when I was back home as well as immediate next steps. highly recommended read more

Dr. Farooq is amazing! He is very thorough and if focused on getting you back to normal in no time. He has a great bedside manner and doesn't waster your time. I have used two other dr.s in this specialty and they don't compare. The banding is the way to go. In just 2 visits I feel better than with months of treatment with my previous dr. I can't say enough good things about Dr. Farooq and his practice. What it comes down to is this, no one wants to need a proctologist but when you do, you get the best one out there and that is Dr. Farooq. read more

I have to say o couldn't have asked for a better experience ! To start off with the appearance of the place. Extremely clean and sleek, the clinic truly has a beautiful design plan. Very professional and modern .Sydney, the nice receptionist was incredibly helpful through this whole experience. She was very quick to reply to my emails and any concerns or questions I had about the whole process. They even took my temperature at the beginning, given the Covid-19 pandemic, I felt secure that the clinic was taking the appropriate precautions. Dr. Farooq was very professional but also a super friendly guy that I felt like I can talk about anything. I was sent home with a little drawstring backpack with tons of great and useful information for those who might be new to cannabis or interested in getting their card .I was all taken care of in under an hour . I have to say I got lucky to score such with such a great clinic and staff. Highly recommend anyone to interested in getting their Medical Card read more

Dr. Shiraz Farooq is absolutely wonderful, extremely amicable and accommodating. He has a very comforting personality. Explained everything that I asked about, very knowledgeable. I appreciate that he took took his time with me and gave me tips to help with my condition. I can tell he cares deeply for his patients. read more

Dr Shiraz Farooq and his staff are amazing. and he is an excellent physician. He genuinely cares about his patients wellbeing. His banding technique is perfectly executed and he gives his patients back a quality of life long forgotten! read more

I am under Dr. Farooq's care for my painful neuropathy. He has given me hope that someday I won't need to be on any meds at all! Thanks to him, I have a care plan in place -one that we are both happy with - to start me on this path. So far, in less than a month - I have reduced my gabepentin from 900 to 600 mg per day as I am taking a very low dose of medical marijuana oil. I have started performing the 5 ancient Tibetan rites most mornings, and I am attending the Tuesday night (7-8 pm) meditation class with Sahara. She has taught me how to relax, get rid of stress, the importance of keeping my body balanced, and much more. She also does reiki on me to promote healing. Sahara and Dr. Farooq are very likeable, professional healers who have given me much hope on being pain free someday without the use of meds. Also, Dr. Farooq's offices are modern, clean, and comfortable. I highly recommend you give Sahara and/or Dr. Farooq a try! You don't need a referral for either. read more